Unit 6, Lesson 7
Make Halves, Thirds, and Fourths
Grade 2
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In grade 1, students learned that when a shape is partitioned into 2 equal pieces, each piece is called a “half.” They learned that when a shape is partitioned into 4 equal pieces, each piece is called a “fourth” or a “quarter.”
In this lesson, students learn that when a shape is partitioned into 3 equal pieces, the pieces are called thirds. They partition shapes into halves, thirds, and fourths. The words “fourths” and “quarters” should be used interchangeably when discussing 4 equal pieces, so that students are comfortable with both terms.
- Engagement
- MLR8
- Comprehend (in spoken and written language) the meaning of “a third,” “thirds,” “halves,” and “fourths.”
- Draw to partition rectangles and circles into halves, thirds, and fourths, and explain (orally) strategies for ensuring all pieces are of equal size.
- Let’s make halves, thirds, and fourths (or quarters).
Required Preparation
- Each student needs 3 identical paper rectangles.
- Students could use 3 sheets of construction paper as their 3 rectangles. To save paper, construction paper could also be pre-cut into equal-size rectangles.
Teacher Reflection Questions
In grade 2, students used halves, fourths, and quarters to describe equal pieces of a shape. How did you see students use this vocabulary in today’s lesson? What support can you offer students to help them use math vocabulary to describe equal pieces of a shape.